Documents associated with: Kennedy, David A.
Record 13 of 33
System Number: 07274
Date: 13 March 1896
Author: Edward Guthrie Kennedy[1]
Place: New York
Recipient: JW
Place: [London]
Repository: Glasgow University Library
Call Number: MS Whistler W1262
Document Type: ALS
[crest of the Grolier Club:] THE GROLIER CLUB / FOUNDED NEW YORK 1884
GROLIER CLUB
29 EAST THIRTY SECOND STREET.
Mch. 13 / 96
Dear Mr. Whistler,
The picture[2] has gone off by American Express and I hope it will reach you in safety.
Let me ask you. What did you ever do about the offer of Martin Brimmer[3] to buy your large portrait, or consider it, for the Boston Museum of Fine Arts? What has been done about that, if I may [p. 2] ask? I asked you how much you wanted for the two full length portraits of Mrs. Whibley[4] or one of them. Let me know.
While people admire the "Red note[5]", as a piece of painting, no one likes the subject.
Stanford White[6] came in to see it and went out again saying that he did not like it, as the girl was young (the model) & this represented a mature woman &c, &c. It is very doubtful if Mr. Pope[7] will re-consider the matter of purchasing "Carmen[8]". He may, however, do so.
[p. 3] Several of the lithographs purchased in last lot by David[9] are too dear, as I showed those sent over first, and took orders for others from them at 3 /3 /-. You suddenly charge 4 /4 /-. This leaves me out of pocket. I have no doubt however that you will make a reduction as per memo. enclosed. Of course after this I shall have to pay your new prices, but as far as we are concerned here, it is a mistake to ask so much for them. Of course if they say nothing in England, there is no reason for considering us over here.
How I hate this pettifogging!
[p. 4] You have several other painting's over there, but I want those I've mentioned, if reasonable. Mention a price anyway.
I hope that Mrs. Whistler[10] is improving & am as always,
Yours Sincerely,
E. G. Kennedy.
Lots of snow and howling Cold winds. Warm enough inside though.
By the bye, I had almost forgotten. A chap here is going to write a sort of biography of Whistler, and wants information. His name is Roger Riordan[11] - French from Limerick - He has a lot written already I believe, and I am to interview you this Summer [p. 5][12] about various things, a list of which I shall have.
He admires "Smith's Yard[13]" immensely. He is too poor to buy it & I am too poor to present it.
He writes for the press in a Graceful way.
K
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Notes:
1. Edward Guthrie Kennedy
Edward Guthrie Kennedy (1849-1932), dealer with H. Wunderlich and Co., New York [more].
2. picture
Nocturne: Black and Gold - The Fire Wheel (YMSM 169).
3. Martin Brimmer
Martin Brimmer (1829-1896), collector and official at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts [more].
4. Red note
Crimson note: Carmen (YMSM 441).
5. Mrs. Whibley
Ethel Whibley (1861-1920), née Philip, JW's sister-in-law [more].
6. Stanford White
Stanford White (1853-1906), architect [more].
7. Mr. Pope
Alfred Atmore Pope (1842-1913), manufacturer and collector [more].
8. Carmen
Crimson note: Carmen (YMSM 441); Pope did eventually buy it.
9. David
David A. Kennedy, New York dealer, brother of E. G. Kennedy [more].
10. Mrs. Whistler
Beatrix Whistler (1857-1896), née Beatrice Philip, artist [more].
11. Roger Riordan
Roger Riordan (1848-1904), writer and etcher [more].
12. [p. 5]
Kennedy has written 'P. S.' at the top of this page.